Leon John "Lee" Hess, age 91, of Fort Wayne passed away on Monday January 12, 2015 at Kingston Health Care Center, Fort Wayne. Born on June 7, 1923 in Auburn, IN he was the son of the late Louis and Theresa (Haite) Hess.

Lee proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne as a paratrooper instructor and received his Bachelors degree in education from Michigan State University.

Lee spent 39 years with Dana Corporation. Among his achievements were building facilities in the U.S. and overseas. He served as Plant Manager in Chelsea, Michigan, Edgerton, Wisconsin, and General Manager for their Victor Division. He retired as President and General Manager of Dana''s Axle Divisions. Lee loved golf and took every advantage to play.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis J. (Penrose) Hess of Fort Wayne; sons, Johnny L. (Linda L.) Hess of Waterville, OH and David C. (Pamela) Hess of New River, AZ; step-children, Sandra (Steve) Ritenour and Richard (Angela) Penrose both of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Matthew L. (Michelle) Hess, and Richard L. Hess, Adam and Nicholas Joye, Candace and Keelia Hess, Spencer Ritenour, and Benjamin and Chloe Penrose.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife Claudia Hess, 2nd wife Paula Hess, 1 sister, and 3 brothers.

Funeral services for Leon will be held at 3:30p.m. on Saturday January 17, 2015 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home 8408 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with calling from 1:00p.m. until the time of service at 3:30p.m.

Final rest in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne.

Memorial contributions in memory of Leon may be made to the American Cancer Society.